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Contact: Erica Asmus-Otero (505) 259-2202 Erica@griffinassoc.com

Sunset Magazine Names Taos One of 10 ‘Best Places to Live to Make You Happy’

TAOS, NM — January 25, 2011– Taos, New Mexico has been chosen by Sunset Magazine as one of the top 10 “Best Places to Live (to Make You Happy),” which is featured in the Magazine’s February 2011 edition. Sunset Magazine’s criteria was based on “where we can find the things that matter to us most, where we can live the way we want to live.”

Among nine other contenders, Taos was Sunset’s third pick for the honor, which also revered the Town as being the “best place to live if you want to own a vacation home.” Sunset’s editors cited the availability of Taos vacation rental properties as being attractive to visitors, including the rental condos in the Plaza and Taos Ski Valley’s Bavarian Chalets.

The article says of Taos:

“Regardless of what brings a person to Taos—art, snow play, its ethereal spirit—those who fall for the town tend to fall hard. It’s this enduring appeal coupled with a limited housing supply that make for about as safe a second-home bet as you’ll find.”

“Anyone who has lived in or visited Taos will agree that Taos inspires us to reconnect with what’s important, and to be our authentic selves in this beautiful Town of land, light and legend,” said Town of Taos Mayor Darren Cordova. “What makes Taos residents happy? The answer depends on Taosenos individually, but it doesn’t hurt to live in a Town that inspires change, rejuvenation of spirit and embraces a diverse cultural and social environment.”

When it comes to inciting a feeling of “happiness” among visitors, the Town of Taos has a few suggestions on activities which are popular among tourists:

• Llama Trekking - take a llama on a picturesque day hike while learning about the pristine wilderness of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Taos. Single or multi day adventures also available. Visit llamaadventures.com or call 800-758 5262 (LAMA);
• Tour Greater World Earthship Biotecture - learn how to live off the grid and be self sufficient by taking a tour of an Earthship; a radically sustainable home made of recycled materials. Earthships can be built in any climate, anywhere in the world and allow their owners to live in harmony with the environment, complete with security and modern amenities. Call 575-751-0462 for more information;
• Taos Pueblo Tour - take a spiritual journey to Taos Pueblo - the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The multi-storied adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years. Note: Taos Pueblo will be closed to the public from February 7, 2011 to March 28, 2011.
• San Francisco de Asis Church - reconnect with what’s important with a visit to this church, also known as St. Francis Church or Ranchos Church. San Francisco de Asis one of the most photographed and painted churches in the world, made famous by Georgia O’Keefe. Call 575-758-2754 or visit taosvacationguide.com for more information;
• Rio Grande Gorge Bridge - reconnect with your inner child, whether on a white water rafting trip down the Rio Grande River or by simply taking in the gorgeous view. The Rio Grande Gorge is the second highest bridge in the U.S, at 650 feet above the river;
• Labyrinths tour - Taos is known to be at the center of a thriving art community, but it is also becoming the best place to feel more “centered” thanks in part to it’s many labyrinths in the Town. Take a tour of six permanent labyrinths in Taos and start a journey of self-discovery;
• Hot air ballooning - seeing Taos from a bird’s eye view offers another perspective and is one of the most breathtaking, peaceful experiences. Visit puebloballoon.com for flight information.
• Mountain biking - gear up for a spectacular ride through the pristine Sangre de Cristo mountains of Taos. Visit taossacredplaces.com and click on the “land” tab for bike shops.
• Taos Plaza - the Plaza is a great first stop in Taos, with its many colorful shops, unique galleries and award winning restaurants. Pick up the self-guided Taos Historic Walking Tour Brochure, or download it at taossacredplaces.com or taosvacationguide.com or call 575-758-3873.

Both half-day and full-day self-guided tours are available as well as several itineraries tailored for a variety of traveler interests. They include:

• “Spiritual Quest Encounter” tour, aimed at fostering reconnection with one’s spirituality;
• “Mabel Dodge Luhan Taos” tour, discover how much of an influence this fascinating woman had over well known icons of her time;
• “Sacred Architecture” tour, and find out why these sacred and religious structures are so significant by walking amongst them;
• “Taos Alternative Technologies” tour, since Taos is a leader in innovative energy initiatives;
• “Taos Southwest Cultural/Archaeological” tour, traverse Taos Pueblo and other sacred Native American sites;
• “Taos Student’s” tour, take in the natural beauty of Taos Pueblo and the wilderness on a mountain bike and;
• “Wild, Wild West” tour, tour legendary Kit Carson’s home and have dinner at a former hideout for wild west bandits.

Visit www.taossacredplaces.com and click on the “tours” tab for a complete list of available tours and itineraries. Paid tours are also available.

The Taos Express is a convenient option for visitors traveling from the Santa Fe Municipal Airport to Taos. Reservations are required and can be made online at www.taosexpress.com or by calling (575) 751-4459, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunset Magazine has a readership of more than 1.26 million, not including their online readership. The article can be viewed online at sunset.com and is also on newsstands now. 

For more information on the Town of Taos, visit www.taossacredplaces.com.